Winslow High School Principal Dr. Justin Hartman will be allowed to continue in his position after an incident that occurred off campus last month. The Winslow Unified School District (WUSD) Governing Board met last week and heard for the first time a statement from Hartman on the matter.
According to Superintendent Cindy Mattox, the decision was made by the district through legal council to not inform the board of the incident until it could be resolved. The item appeared on the agenda as an executive session, but Hartman requested an open meeting. Members of the public as well as several WUSD staff members were in attendance.
Mattox informed the board, “I received information on Sept. 5 that Dr. Hartman was engaging in unprofessional conduct. He was placed on administrative leave with pay and the district administration began an investigation.” When later asked to clarify what the district deemed as “unprofessional conduct” Mattox only replied that the district was advised by legal council not to speak on the matter.
In addition to the unprofessional behavior, it was noted that Hartman was insubordinate and had disobeyed a directive from administration. “He acted unprofessionally in his interaction with a member of the public and also, that he had contacted his wife using the district telephone system many, many times during the first part of the school year. These acts alone, constituted a violation of district policies as well as the terms of Dr. Hartman’s contract with the district.” During the investigation Hartman was placed on administrative leave for four weeks but has since returned to work.
Dr. Hartman gave an emotional statement in which he explained why he had been placed on leave. “At that time, I was protecting the love of my life. My wife asked a man to stop texting her and he continued. My wife did not ask for me to handle the situation, but my heart did.” He explained that the incident in question, a confrontation of a community member, occurred during Hartman’s lunch break away from the high school. Despite rumors, Dr. Hartman was not arrested in connection with the incident.
“In regard to my violations of policy, although I think that this was a private matter that took place off of WUSD property, I can acknowledge the unprofessional behavior. On Sept. 13, I did send out a group text to 12 members of this community who I highly respect. The purpose of this text was not to violate the stipulations of my administrative leave but to merely defend myself and get the truth out and to protect my family from the bombardment of questions created when my leave was made available to the public. I am not blaming anyone for the vicious rumors, speculations or harassment that my family, especially my children experienced the last four weeks. For that, I take the blame.”
For over 20 years, Hartman has worked in the district, the last 12 as an administrator at Winslow High School. “Twenty years with not one letter of reprimand. I feel like although not intentional, but perhaps through poor legal counsel, there was a target placed on my back that allowed the community to question my character, my ability to lead Winslow High School and a position to attack my family,” stated Hartman.
The governing board members all expressed concern with the process of Hartman’s leave on the part of legal counsel. “We had to hear from rumors and without any facts to go on,” said Vice President Joey Hartnett. “I would suggest we use different legal counsel next time. I think that it is wrong that we weren’t afforded the attorney client privilege and the knowledge of what had happened.” Board President Sharon Greenwood agreed stating, “That is why we are here, to let people know that none of those rumors were true.”
According to Mattox, the district’s attorney, recommended Hartman be terminated on the grounds of policy violation. “Not knowing that we do progressive discipline in our district. There has been no prior discipline before this year. I think it is important that if you have a career and no issues, that is considered. We don’t get to take our hats off as principals and administrators in this district. We are required to maintain positive relationships in our community.” She explained that Dr. Hartman is a top administrator and the district is not willing to let him go. “We are on a track to succeed and we will work together.”
For his part Hartman showed no remorse for his actions but regretted the impact it had on the school. “I have learned that I cannot dwell in the past and that moving forward is the way I will live my life. I do not regret my actions of Sept. 4. I do however regret putting the district, my staff, my administration and my students in a situation that may have interrupted the educational environment. I want to, and I will put the train back on the tracks with the help of many of the fine people in this room. I want to make Winslow High School a place that this community can be proud of,” said Hartman.
